Olly Murs said his gig at Carlisle was “phenomenal” – and declared his Cumbrian fans “legends”.

The pop star gave thousands of music lovers something to smile about as he rocked their socks off in Carlisle’s United’s Brunton Park stadium on Saturday.

Scores of people came from across the county to the gig, which was Olly’s second show of his Summer Tour 2017 – his biggest tour to date.

It came the night after reggae legends UB40 performed some of their greatest hits, part of their Grandslam Tour, and weeks before Little Mix and Bryan Adams take to the stage in Bitts Park, marking one of the city’s biggest years for outdoor music events.

Wowing fans with hits including Troublemaker, Dance With Me Tonight and Years and Years, the singer got a massive response from the Cumbrian crowd, who cheered, screamed and sang while dancing the night away.

The stadium went wild for his 1970s, 1980s and 1990s-inspired medley, as well as a number of his own songs, including his opening track You Don’t Know Love.

And just as he had hoped, Olly was blessed with sunshine and fine weather as he took to the stage.

He said: “It’s good to be here. Why has it taken me seven years, Carlisle?

“All I hope is that you guys go home sweaty and that you have had a good time.

“I want to take responsibility that I brought the sun here as well.

“You guys are amazing. Thank you so much. I’m loving, loving, loving it!”

And on the excited atmosphere, he said: “Carlisle, it’s a yes from me. I didn’t like it, I loved it.”

After the show he tweeted: “Carlisle it was phenomenal tonight!! You legends!! See you next time.”

Fans basked in sunshine as they sat around and enjoyed a drink before the show, which was Olly’s first time in the county since 2011, when he performed as part of Radio One’s Big Weekend at Carlisle Airport.

Shardia Sahib, 28, of Dalston Road, Carlisle, said: “We are super proud to be living in a city that holds such big acts. Well done Carlisle.”

Jenna Benson brought nine of her hens to the concert from Workington.

The 27-year-old, who is set to tie the knot with Scott Fleming at Dalston Hall on August 12, said: “It just came up and I thought it was an ideal opportunity.”

Her mum Jackie Benson, who is a huge Olly Murs fan, said: “It’s brilliant. I love Olly. We were coming on our own and I said: Well, why don’t we make it a hen do and make it even more fun.”

Toni Cooper, 21, from Whitehaven, was lucky enough to win two tickets from Copeland Gym, and took her sister Emma, 26, along for a treat.

She said: “I haven’t seen him before but I absolutely love him. He is one of my favourite people ever.”

Joanne Graham, from Cockermouth, who was with her son Matthew, 15, her aunty Helen Wallace, and two godsons Isaac and Joseph.

Issac, 12, whose favorite song is Troublemaker, said: “I’m excited. I’ve not been to a concert before.”